What Awaits Washington Husky Football In 2017?
By Bret Stuter
![Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; The University of Washington Huskies football team takes the field before the start of a game against the University of Oregon at Autzen Stadium. The Huskies won 70-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; The University of Washington Huskies football team takes the field before the start of a game against the University of Oregon at Autzen Stadium. The Huskies won 70-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/564f5c5444b814e59695bbef690ba65342645a942754a07b0e63814c7a326a9c.jpg)
More Defense
Secondary
2016 review: The Huskies allowed 24 TD passes but intercepted 34 passes. On one hand, safety Budda Baker was a key reason for the picks. On the other hand, he will join cornerback Sidney Jones in seeking a career in the NFL. Senior cornerback Kevin King is projected a mid round pick in the draft as well.
2017 outlook: Safeties Jojo McIntosh and Taylor Rapp are returning, but the Huskies will need to bring in some solid fresh faces to help in pass defense. They have done so in recruiting 4-star safety recruit Brandon McKinney. Washington has also added 4-star cornerback Elijah Molden and 3-star cornerback Keith Taylor. In conclusion, they will join the ranks of Austin Joyner, Jordan Miller and Byron Murphy, among others, in competing for starting roles.
Specialists
Punter Tristan Vizcaino returns, as does punt returner Dante Pettis. While the team could tap Pettis on kick returns, the team will have some options. The team will have a new kicker in prokick Australian Joel Whitford, who enrolled in winter-term classes this week.
Next: University of Washington Releases 2017 Husky Football Schedule
All in all, 2017 appears to be every bit the encore for the 2016 season.